Dynamicaly configurable arbor assembly apparatus

ABSTRACT

A dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus provides plural configurations with removable and attachable components that can be dynamically adjusted and configured to be used with a large variety of power tools, lathes and/or milling machines including plural different attachment interfaces. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus can also replace a chuck component the power tools, lathes and/or milling machines.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application relates to arbors for power tools and hand tools. Morespecifically, it relates to a dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A “chuck” is a specialized type of clamp with adjustable jaws used tohold an object with radial symmetry, including a cylinder. In a drill ora mill, a chuck holds a rotating tool; in a lathe, it holds the rotatingworkpiece. For example, a chuck on a drill is used to hold a drill bit.

A “hole saw,” also known as a hole cutter, is a saw blade of annularshape, whose annular kerf creates a hole in the workpiece without havingto cut up the core material. It is used in a drill. Hole saws typicallyhave a pilot drill bit at their center to keep the saw teeth fromwalking.

There are many problems associated with using tool components with powertools.

One problem is that a chuck component requires all tool components havea shaft component to be useable with power tool.

Another problem with using tool components with a power tool with achuck component is adding the tool components to the chuck component andthe shaft component increases a total length of the power tool andprevents it from easily being used in many confined areas.

Another problem is that most tool components require an adaptercomponent that is used with the power tools that cannot be dynamicallymodified allowing the power tool to be used with many different types oftool component technologies.

Thus, it is desirable to solve some of the problems associated withusing chucks and tool components with shaft with power tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, someof the problems associated with using tool components with power toolsare overcome. A dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus ispresented.

The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus provides pluralconfigurations with removable and attachable components that can bedynamically adjusted and configured to be used with a large variety ofpower tools, lathes and/or milling machines including plural differentattachment interfaces. The dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus can also replace a chuck component the power tools, lathesand/or milling machines.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of preferred embodimentsof the present invention will be more readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description. The detailed description proceeds withreferences to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described withreference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a prior art power tool apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a top perspective view of adynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another bottom perspective viewof the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another top perspective view ofthe dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another bottom perspective viewof the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with toolcomponents;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a side perspective view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with tool componentsattached;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating another bottom perspective viewof the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with other toolcomponents;

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating another bottom perspective viewof the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with lockingcomponents in an engaged or open position;

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating another bottom perspective viewof the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with lockingcomponents in a disengaged or closed position;

FIG. 9C is a block diagram illustrating bottom view of a top surface ofa tool component;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of the prior artpower tool apparatus with tool components attached and the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus with tool components attached;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus with a drive dog component;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus with a tanged end component;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus with a weldon component;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus with a direct mount component;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of a small profiledynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with a direct mountcomponent;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of the small profiledynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with a direct mountcomponent with flanges;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a top perspective view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with a hole saw flangedirect mount component; and

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with a hole saw flangedirect mount component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Prior Art

FIG. 1 is a block diagram 10 illustrating a prior art power toolapparatus 12. The prior art power tool apparatus 12 includes a powertool component 12 (e.g., a drill, etc.) a threaded attachment component14, a chuck component 16 with a threaded receptacle 18 for accepting andengaging the threaded attachment connection component 14 in a rotatingmotion to tighten and loosen, the chuck component 16, selectivelyremovable and attachable. The prior art power tool apparatus 10 furtherincludes a plural different tool components including, but not limitedto, a hole saw 20 with a shaft portion 22, a tool acceptor component 24,with a shaft portion 22′ a drill bit 26 with a shaft portion 22″. Thetool accept component 24 accepts other tool components such as socketcomponents, screwdriver components, drill bits 26, etc.

The chuck component 16 includes a specialized type of clamp withadjustable jaws used to hold an object with radial symmetry, including acylinder. In a drill or a mill, a chuck holds a rotating tool; in alathe, it holds the rotating workpiece. For example, a chuck on a drillis used to hold a drill bit. The clamping jaws of the chuck component 16are opened and closed with a chuck key.

The hole saw 20 also known as a hole cutter, is a saw blade of annularshape, whose annular kerf creates a hole in the workpiece without havingto cut up the core material. It is used in a drill. Hole saws typicallyhave a pilot drill bit 20′ at their center to keep the saw teeth fromwalking.

Sockets are tools used to tighten and loosen mechanical fasteners.Sockets fit over a head of a fastener to provide torque to tighten andloosen the fasteners.

The tool components 20, 24, 26 and most tool components known in the arthave a shaft component are inserted into the chuck component 16 usingthe respective shaft components 22, 22′, 22″.

Exemplary Dynamically Configurable Arbor Assembly Apparatus

An “arbor” includes a spindle used to secure or support material beingmachined or milled or shaped. A spindle includes a slender rounded rodtypically with tapered ends.

The present invention includes a dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus that is used to accept, engage and secure plural differenttypes of tool components to be used with power tools 12 (e.g., drills,hammer drills, masonry drills, impact drills, drill presses, magneticdrill, drilling rig, drill guide stand, impact drivers, impact wrenches,torque wrenches, etc.) and/or lathes 25 (e.g., for wood and metal, etc.)and/or milling machines. The dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus is used on power tools such (e.g., drills, etc.) by replacinga chuck component on the power tools 12, lathes 25 and/or millingmachines 27.

A “lathe” 25 includes a machine tool that rotates a workpiece about anaxis of rotation to perform various operations such as cutting, sanding,knurling, drilling, deformation, facing, and turning, with tools thatare applied to the workpiece to create an object with symmetry aboutthat axis.

A “milling machine” 27 includes a machine tool that rotates a cutter toproduce plane or formed surfaces on a workpiece, usually by moving thework past the cutter.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 28 illustrating a top perspective view of adynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

The configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 includes, but is notlimited to, a threaded receptacle connection component 32 on a topsurface of a body component 34 for accepting, engaging and securing theapparatus 30 on the power tool 12 and/or on the lathe 25 and/or themilling machine 27, a securing component 36 on a side surface of thebody component 34 for securing a tool component inserted within a hollowreceptacle 40 in the body component 34 and a threaded connectioncomponent 38 on a bottom surface of the body component 34 for accepting,engaging and securing a tool component. The threaded connectioncomponent 38 including a hollow receptacle 44 on a bottom surface of thethreaded connection component 38 for accepting, engaging and securingthe tool component. However, the present invention is not limited tosuch an embodiment and more, fewer and/or other types of components canbe used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the body component 34 is made from metal, rubber,plastic, wood, composite materials or other materials and/or acombination of materials. However, the present invention is not limitedto such embodiments and more, fewer and/or other types of materials canbe used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the body component 34 comprises a length of about oneto about two inches (about 2.54 to about 5.08 centimeters (cm)).However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment andother lengths can be used practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the securing component 36 is a threaded screw with ahexagonal head. However, the present invention is not limited to suchembodiments and other securing components 36 with other head types(e.g., flat head, phillips head, square head, star head, etc.) can beused to practice the invention.

The securing component 36 with a hexagonal head is tightened andloosened with an allen wrench or hex key

An allen wrench or hex key is L-shaped metal bar with a hexagonal headat each end, used to turn bolts and screws having hexagonal sockets.

In one embodiment, the hollow receptacle 44 includes an oval, circular,square, star or hexagonal shape. The shape of the hollow receptacle 44is dynamically adjustable by replacing the threaded connection 38 whichincludes the second hollow receptacle 44 including a different shape foraccepting, engaging and securing a desired tool component with a desiredspecific shape.

However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments andother shapes for the bottom surface opening can be used to practice theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 42 illustrating a bottom perspective view ofthe dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

FIG. 3 illustrates additional details of the threaded connection 38including the hollow receptacle 44 for accepting, engaging and securinga tool component within the hollow receptacle 40 in the body component34.

In one embodiment, the hollow receptacle 40 extends completely throughthe body portion 34 of the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

In another embodiment, the hollow receptacle 40 extends only apre-determined distance (e.g., about one-quarter to one-half inches orabout 0.635 cm to about 1.27 cm). However the present invention is notlimited to such embodiments and other embodiments with and/or withoutthe hollow receptacle 40 included in the body portion 34 can be used topractice the invention.

In one embodiment, the interior of the hollow receptacle 44′ includesthreads in all or a portion of the interior to accept a threaded toolcomponent. In another embodiment, the hollow receptacle 44 does notinclude threads and is smooth. However the present invention is notlimited to such embodiments and other embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 46 illustrating another bottom perspectiveview of the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

In FIG. 4 , the body component 34 further includes a second threadedreceptacle 48 for accepting, engaging and securing a threaded connectioncomponent 38′ including the hollow receptacle 44″. In such anembodiment, the threaded connection component 38′ is dynamicallyattachable and removable and includes one or more different hollowreceptacle 44″ sizes for engaging, accepting and securing threaded andnon-threaded tool components of varying sizes. However the presentinvention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments canbe used to practice the invention and the invention can be practicedwith and/or without the threaded connection component 38′ beingdynamically attachable and removable.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram 50 illustrating another top perspective viewof the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

In FIG. 5 , the body component 34 further includes a third threadedreceptacle 52 for accepting, engaging and securing a second threadedconnection component 54.

In such an embodiment, the second threaded connection component 54 isdynamically attachable and removable and includes one or more differentsizes for engaging, accepting and securing a threaded component on thepower tool 14, lathe 25 and/or milling machine 27 components.

The embodiment in FIG. 5 allows the configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30 to be used with a wider variety of power tools, lathes andmilling machines with threaded and/or non-threaded connectioncomponents.

However the present invention is not limited to such embodiments andother embodiments can be used to practice the invention and theinvention can be practiced with and/or without the second threadconnection component 54 and/or with and/or without the second threadconnection component 54 being dynamically attachable and removable.

In one embodiment, the second threaded connection component 54 includesa threaded or non-threaded third hollow receptacle portion 54′ at oneend to accept a threaded or non-threaded connection component on a powertool and/or a lathe and/or a milling machine. However the presentinvention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments canbe used to practice the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram 56 illustrating another bottom perspectiveview of the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 withtool components 26 and 58.

In FIG. 6 , the tool component 26 (e.g., drill bit, etc.) is insertedinto the second hollow receptacle 44 of the threaded connection 38 onthe bottom surface of the body component 34 and into the hollowreceptacle 40. It is secured via the securing component 36 on the sidesurface of the body component 34.

In FIG. 6 , the tool component 58 (e.g., hole saw blade, etc.) includesa threaded receptacle 60. The tool component's 58 threaded receptacle 60is rotated on the threaded connection component 38 on the bottom surfaceof the body component 34 for accepting, engaging and securing the toolcomponent 58 with the threaded connection component 60 (i.e., screwedon, etc.).

The configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 is capable of acceptingtool components 26, 58 alone and/or in various combinations withthreaded connectors and/or non-threaded connectors. In FIG. 6 , thedrill bit 26 and hole saw blade 58 are attached to the configurablearbor assembly apparatus 30 separately but in combination provide astandard hole saw with a pilot drill bit. Other various combinations oftool components can be used to practice the invention.

However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments andother embodiment can be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram 62 illustrating a side perspective view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with two toolcomponents 26, 58 attached.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram 64 illustrating another bottom perspectiveview of the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 withother tool components 26′.

In FIG. 8 , tool component 26′ includes a threaded connection component66 for accepting, engaging and securing the tool component 26′ into thesecond threaded receptacle 48 (FIG. 4 ) on the bottom surface of thebody component 34. In this embodiment, the threaded connection component38′ is dynamically attachable and removable from the body component 34and is removed before the tool component 26′ is attached the secondthreaded receptacle 48.

In the FIG. 8 the tool component 26′ includes a threaded connectioncomponent 66 that is also dynamically attachable into and removable fromthe second hollow receptacle 44″ in the threaded connection component38′ on the bottom surface of the body component 34 illustrated in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 8 , the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 in thisembodiment is additionally capable of accepting tool components 26′ withthreaded connectors that are attachable and removable from two differentconnector components on the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram 68 illustrating another bottom perspectiveview of the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 withlocking components 70 in an engaged or open position 72.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram 74 illustrating another bottom perspectiveview of the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 withlocking components 70 in a disengaged or closed position 76.

FIG. 9C is a block diagram 78 illustrating bottom view of a top surfaceof a tool component 80.

A “locking component” 70 is used on top surface 80 of a tool component(e.g., 58, etc.) to locate, align, locking and further secure a topsurface of the tool component 58 to the bottom surface of theconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. The locking components 70 helpprevent unwanted rotation, wobbling and other undesirable movements ofthe tool component 58 during its use.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate three of four locking components 70 includedon the bottom surface of the bottom component of the configurable arborassembly apparatus 30. The four locking components 70 align and locatefour receptacle components 84 on a top surface of a tool component 80(also the top surface of tool component 58, etc.). However, the presentinvention is not limited to four locking components and more or fewerlocking components can be used to practice the invention.

The locking components 70 are individually dynamically adjustable forexposing different lengths in many different configurations. Forexample, in one embodiment, one locking pin 70 could be engaged whilethe other three locking pins are disengaged to locate an engaging topsurface of a tool component 58 with one receptacle 84 for engaging theone locking pin. In another embodiment, all four locking pins may beengaged to half their maximum length to engage a top surface 80 of atool component 58 of a pre-determined thickness with four receptacles84. In another embodiment, all four locking pins may be engaged to theirmaximum length to engage a top surface 80 of a tool component 58 of asecond thicker pre-determined thickness with four receptacles 84.However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments andother embodiments with other multiple configurations of the lockingcomponents 70 may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 9C illustrates a large receptacle 82 for engaging the threadedconnection component 38 on the bottom surface of the body component 34.FIG. 9C also illustrates four small receptacles 84 for engaging the fourlocking components 70 on the bottom surface of the configurable arborassembly apparatus 30.

FIG. 9C illustrates a top surface 80 of a tool component 58 with fourreceptacles 84 for engaging the four locking components 70. However, thepresent invention, is not limited to such an embodiment, and toolcomponents with zero through four, and/or more receptacles for engaginglocking components 70 can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the locking components 70 include threaded screwsand/or threaded pins and/or a combination thereof. In such anembodiment, the locking components 70 as thread screws and/or pins canbe dynamically adjusted in small or large amounts to engage top surfacesof tool components of varying thicknesses. In another embodiment,non-threaded pins, screws, bolts, rivets and/or locking components areused to practice the invention. However, the present invention is notlimited to such embodiments and other types of locking components 70 canbe used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the locking components 70 included a threaded screwor bolt with an oval, circular, square or hexagonal head. The shape ofthe locking components 70 is dynamically adjustable by replacing thelocking components 70 including a different shape for accepting,engaging and securing a desired tool component with a desired specificshape.

In one embodiment, the large receptacle 82 includes a threadedreceptacle connection component that is rotated on the threadedconnection component 38 on the bottom surface of the body component 34.In another embodiment, the large receptacle includes an unthreadedreceptacle connection component. However, the present invention is notlimited to such embodiments and other embodiments can also be used topractice the invention.

The locking components 70 can be engaged and disengaged individually.Therefore the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 can bedynamically configured for use with tool components 58 with zero throughlocking receptacles. However, the present invention is not limited tosuch embodiments and other embodiments can also be used to practice theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram 86 illustrating a side view of the prior artpower tool apparatus 12 with tool components 58, 26 attached and thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with toolcomponents attached 58′, 26′.

As is illustrated in FIG. 10 , the power tool apparatus 12 requires anadapter component 88 including a shaft portion 22 (not visible in thefigure) that is inserted in the chuck component 16 on the power toolapparatus 12.

Since the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 does not require thechuck component 16 and it accepts a portion of tool component 26 intothe hollow portion 40, it decreases a total length required for usingthe configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with the power toolapparatus 12. Therefore, a total length 90 to use the prior art powertool apparatus 12 with attached tool components 26, 58 is greater than atotal length 92 to use the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.Thus, the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 can be used moreeffectively with power tools in smaller, more confined areas.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram 94 illustrating a side view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with a drive dogcomponent 96 with plural dog ears 98.

A “dog ear” includes a component 98 that is shaped like an ear of anactual dog with a flat horizontal top portion and rounded, curved bottomportion. Dog ear components are commonly used to attach and secure acomponent to another component.

The dog ears 98 include notches on a bottom portion to engage the topsurface of the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 to secure thedrive dog component 96 and prevent unwanted rotations during use. A topend of the drive dog component 96 is inserted into a power tool 12and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine 27 that accepts drive dogcomponents with the bottom end of the drive dog component 96 connectedto the surface of the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

In one embodiment, a bottom end of the drive dog component 96 includes athreaded connection component (not visible in the drawings) that isinserted into the threaded receptacle connection component 32 on the topsurface of the body component 34 for accepting, engaging and securingthe drive dog component 96 to the configurable arbor assembly apparatus30. In another embodiment, the bottom end of the drive dog component 96includes a threaded receptacle connection component that is insertedonto the threaded connection component 58 (FIG. 5 ) on the top surfaceof the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. However, the presentinvention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments canbe used to practice the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram 100 illustrating a side view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus with a tanged endcomponent 102.

A “tang” includes a long and slender projecting strip, tongue, or prongforming part of an object, and serving as a means of attachment foranother part, such as a handle, stock, shaft, etc.

A top end of the tanged end component 102 is inserted into a power tool12 and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine 27 that accepts tanged endcomponents 102 with the bottom end of the tanged end component 102connected to the top surface of the configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30.

In one embodiment, a bottom end of the tanged end component 102 includesa thread connection component (not visible in the drawings) that isinserted into the threaded receptacle connection component 32 on the topsurface of the body component 34 for accepting, engaging and securingthe tanged end component 102 the configurable arbor assembly apparatus30. In another embodiment, the bottom end of the tanged end component102 includes a threaded receptacle connection component that is insertedonto the threaded connection component 54 (FIG. 5 ) on the top surfaceof the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. However, the presentinvention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments canbe used to practice the invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram 104 illustrating a side view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with a weldoncomponent 106.

A “weldon” component 106 includes a flat section on a tool shankcomponent. This flat section securely holds the tool component in apower tool 12 and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine 27 and prevents thetool component from rotating when machining Weldon shanks arepredominately used when milling but are used in other applications.

A top end of the weldon component 106 is inserted into a power tool 12and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine that accepts weldon components106 with the bottom end of the weldon component 106 connected to the topsurface of the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

In one embodiment, a bottom end of the weldon component 106 includes athreaded connection component (not visible in the drawings) that isinserted into the threaded receptacle 32 on the top surface of the bodycomponent 34 for accepting, engaging and securing the weldon component106 on the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. In anotherembodiment, the bottom end of the weldon component 106 includes athreaded receptacle connection component that is inserted onto thethreaded connection component 54 (FIG. 5 ) on the top surface of theconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. However, the present inventionis not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments can be used topractice the invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram 108 illustrating a side view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with a direct mountcomponent 110.

A “direct mount” component 110 is a component that directly mounts to apower tool 12 and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine 27 instead of beingattached with a separate connector.

A top end of the direct mount component 110 is inserted into a powertool 12 and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine that accepts direct mountcomponent 110 with the bottom end of the direct mount component 110connected to the top surface of the configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30.

In one embodiment, a bottom end of the direct mount component 110includes a threaded connection component (not visible in the drawings)that is inserted into the threaded receptacle connection component 32 onthe top surface of the body component 34 for accepting, engaging andsecuring the direct mount component 110 on the configurable arborassembly apparatus 30. In another embodiment, the bottom end of thedirect mount component 110 includes a threaded receptacle connectioncomponent that is inserted onto the threaded connection component 54(FIG. 5 ) on the top surface of the configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30. However, the present invention is not limited to suchembodiments and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram 112 illustrating a side view of the smallprofile dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30′ with adirect mount component 114.

In one embodiment, the body component 34′ of the small profileconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30′ comprises a length of aboutone-half inch to about three-quarters inches (about 1.09 cm to about2.54 cm). However, the present invention is not limited to such anembodiment and other lengths can be used practice the invention.

The small profile configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30′ is necessaryto property fit into existing spaces on a desired power tool thataccepts direct mount components 114.

A top end of the direct mount component 114 is inserted into a powertool 12 and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine 27 that accepts thedirect mount component 114 with the bottom end of the direct mountcomponent 114 connected to the top surface of the configurable arborassembly apparatus 30.

In one embodiment, a direct mount component 114 includes a threadedconnection component (not visible in the drawings) that is inserted intothe threaded receptacle connection component 32′ on the top surface ofthe body component 34′ for accepting, engaging and securing the directmount component 114 on the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. Inanother embodiment, the bottom end of the direct mount component 114includes a threaded receptacle connection component that is insertedonto the threaded connection component 54 (FIG. 5 ) on the top surfaceof the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. However, the presentinvention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments canbe used to practice the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a larger size threaded connection component 38′ tobe used with the direct mount. However, the present invention is notlimited to such an embodiment and a standard size threaded connectioncomponent 38 can also be used to practice the invention with directmount tools, lathes and/or milling machines.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram 116 illustrating a side view of a smallprofile dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30′ with adirect mount component 118 with flanges 120.

A “flange” 120 includes a projecting flat rim, collar, or rib on anobject, serving to strengthen or attach or to maintain a desiredposition.

FIG. 16 illustrates another exemplary version of configurable arborassembly apparatus 30′ with a small profile and one or more flanges 120integral to the apparatus 30′. In another embodiment, the one or moreflanges 120 are integral the direct mount component 118. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such embodiments and otherembodiments can be used to practice the invention.

The small profile configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30′ is necessaryto property fit into existing spaces on a desired power tool thataccepts direct mount components 118 with flanges 120.

A top end of the direct mount component 118 with flanges 120 is insertedinto a power tool 12 and/or lathe 25 and/or milling machine 27 thataccepts the direct mount component 118 with flanges 120 with the bottomend of the direct mount component 118 with flanges 120 connected to thetop surface of the configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30.

In one embodiment, a direct mount component 118 with flanges 120includes a threaded connection component (not visible in the drawings)that is inserted into the threaded receptacle connection component 32′on the top surface of the body component 34′ for accepting, engaging andsecuring the direct mount component 118 with flanges 120 on theconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. In another embodiment, thebottom end of the direct mount component 118 with flanges 118 includes athreaded receptacle connection component that is inserted onto thethreaded connection component 54 (FIG. 5 ) on the top surface of theconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. However, the present inventionis not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments can be used topractice the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a larger size threaded connection component 38′ tobe used with the direct mount. However, the present invention is notlimited to such an embodiment and a standard size threaded connectioncomponent 38 can also be used to practice the invention with directmount tools 12, and/or lathes 25 and/or milling machines 27.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram 122 illustrating a top perspective view ofthe dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with a hole sawflange direct mount component 124.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with a hole sawflange direct mount component 124.

The hole saw flange direct component 124 includes a body component 126of a pre-determined diameter size that fits within and engages the sidesof hole saw bit 58. The body component 126 helps align the inside of thehole saw bit 58 around the body component 126 of the hole saw flangedirect component 124. The hole saw flange direct component 124 includesone or more locking components 128, 128′ (two of which are illustratedfor simplicity) to increase stability and prevent unwanted rotation,wobbling and other undesirable movements of the hole saw bit 58 duringits use and a threaded receptacle 130 for engaging the threadedconnection component 38 of the dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30. The one or more locking components 128, 128′ areindividually adjustable to different exposed lengths to locate andengage hole saw bits 58 with varying top surface 80 thicknesses. Thehole saw flange direct component 124 is attached to the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 with the threaded connectioncomponent 38.

FIG. 9 illustrates the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus30 including locking components 70 integral to the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. In FIG. 9 , a hole saw bit 58is attached directly to a bottom surface of the dynamically configurablearbor assembly apparatus 30. In FIG. 9 , a diameter of the hole saw bit58 is about the same as the dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30.

FIG. 17 illustrates the dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30 including a separate attachable and removable hole sawflange direct mount component 124 that includes one or more lockingcomponents 128, 128′. In FIG. 17 , the hole saw bit 58 is attached to abottom surface of the hole saw flange direct mount component 124 and notdirectly to the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 asis illustrated in FIG. 9 . In FIGS. 17 and 18 , the diameter of the holesaw bit 58′ is much larger than the diameter of the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus 30. Therefore the hole saw flangedirect mount component 124 with an equivalent diameter is used toprovide stability for the hole saw bit 58′.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary top surface 132 of another exemplaryhole saw bit 58′ with two small receptacles 134, 134′ to engage lockingcomponents 128, 128′ of the bottom surface of the hole saw flange directmount component 124, a large receptacle 136 to engage the threadedconnection component 38 of the dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30 and four additional small receptacles 138 that are not usedto engage any locking components. In another embodiment, Apre-determined diameter of the hole saw flange direct mount component124 is slightly smaller (e.g. about 1-2 millimeters (mm) than thediameter of the hole saw bit 58′ so the hole saw flange direct mountcomponent 124 fits snuggly inside the hole saw flange direct mountcomponent 124.

In one embodiment, the hole saw flange direct mount component 124 isproduced in one or more different diameters to locate and engage one ormore hole saw bits 58 of the one or more different diameters. However,the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and otherembodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the components in FIGS. 11 through 18 include 2separate components the dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus 30 and the individual components, 96, 102, 106, 110, 114, 118and 124. In this embodiment, all of the individual components 96, 102,106, 110, 114, 118 and 124 are dynamically removable and attachable.

In another embodiment, the components in FIGS. 11 through 18 includesingle components the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus30 and the individual components, 96, 102, 106, 110, 114, 118 and 124integral to the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus 30 Inthis embodiment, all of the individual components 96, 102, 106, 110,114, 118 and 124 fixed together and not dynamically removable andattachable.

A dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus is present herein.The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus provides pluralconfigurations with removable and attachable components that can bedynamically adjusted and configured to be used with a large variety ofpower tools, lathes and/or milling machines including plural differentattachment interfaces. The dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus can also replace a chuck component the power tools, lathesand/or milling machines.

It should be understood that the architecture, materials, processes,methods and systems described herein are not related or limited to anyparticular type of system unless indicated otherwise. Various typesmaterials and components may be used with or perform operations inaccordance with the teachings described herein.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles ofthe present invention can be applied, it should be understood that theillustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the componentsin the diagrams may be used in sequences other than those described, andmore or fewer elements may be used in the components.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order orelements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term“means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6,and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended. Therefore,all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

I claim:
 1. A dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus,comprising in combination: a threaded receptacle connection component ona top surface of a body component for accepting, engaging and securingthe dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus on a power tool,milling machine or on a lathe; a securing component on a side surface ofthe body component for securing a tool component inserted within ahollow receptacle in the body component; and a threaded connectioncomponent on a bottom surface of the body component for accepting,engaging and securing the tool component, the threaded connectioncomponent including a hollow receptacle component on a bottom surface ofthe threaded connection component for accepting, engaging and securingthe tool component through the threaded connection component into thehollow receptacle component in the body component.
 2. The dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 1 wherein the bodycomponent comprises a metal, rubber, plastic, wood, composite materialor a combination thereof.
 3. The dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus of the claim 1 wherein the hollow receptacle component on thebottom surface of the threaded connection component includes an oval,circular, square, star or hexagonal shape for accepting an oval,circular, square, star or hexagonal shaped tool component.
 4. Thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 1 whereinthe hollow receptacle component on the bottom surface of the threadedconnection component includes threads for accepting a threaded toolcomponent.
 5. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus ofthe claim 1 further comprising: a second threaded receptacle connectioncomponent on the bottom surface of the body component for accepting,engaging and securing the threaded connection component on thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus, the threadedconnection component dynamically attachable to and removable from thebody component.
 6. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatusof the claim 5 further comprising the threaded connection componentincluding a threaded or non-threaded hollow receptacle in a plurality ofdifferent sizes on the bottom surface of the threaded connectioncomponent for accepting, engaging and securing threaded or non-threadedtool component of the plurality of different sizes.
 7. The dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 5 further comprising:a threaded tool component dynamically attachable to and removable fromthe second threaded receptacle connection component on the bottomsurface of the body component, or dynamically attachable to andremovable from the hollow receptacle component on the bottom surface ofthe threaded connection component, wherein the hollow the hollowreceptacle component on the bottom surface of the threaded connectioncomponent includes threads to accept threaded tool components.
 8. Thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 1 furthercomprising: a third threaded receptacle connection component on the topsurface of the body component for accepting, engaging and securing asecond threaded connection component; the second threaded connectioncomponent dynamically attachable to and removable from the bodycomponent, and the second threaded connection component for accepting,engaging and securing dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatusto the power tool, lathe or milling machine that accepts threadedcomponents.
 9. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus ofthe claim 8 further comprising: the second threaded connection componentincluding a threaded or non-threaded hollow receptacle in a top surfaceof the second threaded connection component available in a plurality ofdifferent sizes, for accepting, engaging and securing the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus power tools, lathes and millingmachine components including the plurality of different sizes.
 10. Thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 1 furthercomprising: one or more locking components on the bottom surface of thebody component, the one or more locking components locating, aligning,locking and further securing a top surface of the tool component to thebottom surface of the configurable arbor assembly apparatus, the one ormore locking components locating, aligning, locking into one or morelocking receptacles on the top surface of the tool component, and theone or more locking components preventing unwanted rotation, wobblingand other undesirable movements of the tool component during its use.11. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim10 further comprising: the one or more locking components includingthreaded screws or threaded pins or a combination thereof, todynamically engage into an open position and dynamically disengage intoa closed position, individual ones of the one or more lockingcomponents, or a combination thereof, and the one or more lockingcomponents locating, aligning, locking into one or more individuallocking receptacles on the top surface of the tool component, the one ormore locking components dynamically adjustable to various lengths in anengaged open position to engage top surfaces of tool components ofvarying thicknesses.
 12. The dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus of the claim 1 further comprising: a drive dog component witha plurality of dog ear components connected to the threaded receptacleconnection component on the top surface of the body component, the drivedog component with the plurality of dog ear components allowing thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus to be used with apower tool, lathe or milling machine that accepts drive dog components.13. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 1further comprising: a tanged component connected to the threadedreceptacle connection component on the top surface of the bodycomponent, the tanged component allowing the dynamically configurablearbor assembly apparatus to be used with a power tool, lathe or millingmachine that accepts drive tanged components.
 14. The dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 1 further comprising:a weldon component connected to the threaded receptacle connectioncomponent on the top surface of the body component, the weldon componentallowing the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus to beused with a power tool, lathe or milling machine that accepts driveweldon components.
 15. The dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus of the claim 1 further comprising: a direct mount componentconnected to the threaded receptacle connection component on the topsurface of the body component, the direct mount component allowing thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus to be used with apower tool, lathe or milling machine that accepts drive direct mountcomponents.
 16. The dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus ofthe claim 1 further comprising: a small profile body component on thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus to proper fitting intoexisting spaces on a desired power tool, lathe or milling machine thataccepts direct mount components.
 17. The dynamically configurable arborassembly apparatus of the claim 16 wherein the small profile bodycomponent includes a body component one-quarter to one-half a size ofthe body component.
 18. The dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus of the claim 1 further comprising: a direct mount componentconnected to the threaded receptacle connection component on the topsurface of a small profile body component including a plurality offlanges on the dynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus, thesmall profile body component with plurality of flanges on thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus allowing properfitting into existing spaces on a desired power tool, lathe or millingmachine that accepts direct mount components with flanges.
 19. Thedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus of the claim 1 furthercomprising: a hole saw flange direct mount component connected to thethreaded receptacle connection component on the bottom surfacedynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus, the hole saw flangedirect mount component including one or more locking componentsincluding threaded screws or threaded pins or a combination thereof, todynamically engage into an open position and dynamically disengage intoa closed position, individual ones of the one or more lockingcomponents, or a combination thereof, and the one or more lockingcomponents locating, aligning, locking into one or more individuallocking receptacles on the top surface of a hole saw bit, the one ormore locking components dynamically adjustable to various lengths in anengaged open position to engage top surfaces of a plurality of differenthole saw bits of varying thicknesses, and the hole saw flange directmount component a pre-determined diameter fitting within the hole sawbit and engaging insides surfaces of the hole saw bit, providingadditional stability and preventing unwanted rotation, wobbling andother undesirable movements of the hole saw bit during its use.
 20. Adynamically configurable arbor assembly apparatus, comprising incombination: a threaded receptacle connection component on a top surfaceof a body component for accepting, engaging and securing the dynamicallyconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus on a power tool, milling machineor on a lathe; a securing component on a side surface of the bodycomponent for securing a tool component inserted within a hollowreceptacle in the body component; a threaded connection component on abottom surface of the body component for accepting, engaging andsecuring the tool component, the threaded connection component includinga hollow receptacle component on a bottom surface of the threadedconnection component for accepting, engaging and securing the toolcomponent through the threaded connection component into the hollowreceptacle component in the body component; one or more lockingcomponents on the bottom surface of the body component, the one or morelocking components locating, aligning, locking and further securing atop surface of the tool component to the bottom surface of theconfigurable arbor assembly apparatus, the one or more lockingcomponents locating, aligning and locking into one or more lockingreceptacles on the top surface of the tool component, the one or morelocking components preventing unwanted rotation, wobbling and otherundesirable movements of the tool component during its use, the one ormore locking components including threaded screws or threaded pins or acombination thereof, to dynamically engage into an open position anddynamically disengage into a closed position, individual ones of the oneor more locking components, or a combination thereof, the one or morelocking components locating, aligning, locking into one or moreindividual locking receptacles on the top surface of the tool component,and the one or more locking components dynamically adjustable to variouslengths in an engaged open position to engage top surfaces of toolcomponents of varying thicknesses.
 21. A dynamically configurable arborassembly apparatus, comprising in combination: a threaded receptacleconnection component on a top surface of a body component for accepting,engaging and securing the dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus on a power tool, milling machine or on a lathe; a securingcomponent on a side surface of the body component for securing a toolcomponent inserted within a hollow receptacle in the body component; athreaded connection component on a bottom surface of the body componentfor accepting, engaging and securing the tool component, the threadedconnection component including a hollow receptacle component on a bottomsurface of the threaded connection component for accepting, engaging andsecuring the tool component through the threaded connection componentinto the hollow receptacle component in the body component; a secondthreaded receptacle connection component on the bottom surface of thebody component for accepting, engaging and securing the threadedconnection component on the dynamically configurable arbor assemblyapparatus, the threaded connection component dynamically attachable toand removable from the body component; and a third threaded receptacleconnection component on the top surface of the body component foraccepting, engaging and securing a second threaded connection component,the second threaded connection component dynamically attachable to andremovable from the body component, and the second threaded connectioncomponent for accepting, engaging and securing dynamically configurablearbor assembly apparatus to the power tool, lathe or milling machinethat accepts threaded connection components.